BOTOX® Cosmetic

The active ingredient in BOTOX is a neuromodulator, a type of drug that intercepts signals sent from nerves to muscles. BOTOX Cosmetic contains tiny amounts of a highly purified form of this drug. When it is injected in precise locations in the brow, between the eyes or at the corners of the eyes, BOTOX temporarily causes muscles in those areas to relax.

These muscles are used throughout the day to smile, squint, frown and make other facial expressions. They cause the “dynamic wrinkles” known as crow’s feet and worry lines, which, the more we age, tend to linger even when we aren’t making expressions. By carefully relaxing certain muscles, BOTOX fades those lines without affecting our natural expressions.

BOTOX® is most commonly used to smooth dynamic wrinkles in the upper face, including:

• Forehead lines
• Frown lines (between the brows)
• Crow’s feet in the corners of the eyes
• Bunny lines along the sides of the nose

In some cases, BOTOX may be used to smooth lip lines or a downturned mouth, a dimpled or “orange peel” chin or better define the jawline.

Beyond cosmetic use, BOTOX may also be used for certain medical conditions, such as:

• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Chronic migraines
• Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)

During your consultation, Dr. Chang or Dr. Wang will help you decide the best BOTOX placement and treatment areas to achieve your specific goals.

You may be a good candidate for BOTOX if you are starting to notice fine lines caused by facial expressions, such as crow’s feet, forehead creases or frown lines. Ideal candidates are in good general health, have good skin elasticity and want a quick, non-surgical treatment to soften early signs of aging.

BOTOX is especially effective for dynamic wrinkles, helping to both smooth existing expression lines and prevent them from becoming deeper over time.

In many cases, BOTOX can be paired with dermal fillers to rejuvenate multiple areas of the face at the same time. BOTOX is best for the dynamic wrinkles around the eyes and brow, and dermal fillers are ideal for wrinkles that develop elsewhere on the face as the skin loses its firmness, such as the nasolabial folds running from the nose to the corners of the mouth.

Patients with moderate to strong signs of aging, such as a sagging brow or droopy eyelids, usually see better, longer-lasting results through a surgical approach such as eyelid surgery. We can evaluate your skin and talk to you about your lifestyle and goals to determine the best approach for you.

Preparing for your BOTOX appointment is simple, but taking a few small steps ahead of time can help you achieve the best possible results.

To get ready for your BOTOX injections:

• Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, and certain herbal supplements, for about a week beforehand, as these can increase the likelihood of bruising.
• Avoid alcohol in the 24 hours before your appointment, which can also help to reduce swelling and bruising.
• Arrive with clean skin, free of makeup, sunscreen and other skincare products.
• Let us know if you have any upcoming events so we can plan your BOTOX injections so you can see final results in time for your event.

BOTOX appointments are quick and easy, typically taking around 15 to 20 minutes from start to finish, with the injections themselves lasting only a few minutes. First, Dr. Chang or Dr. Wang will briefly review your goals and evaluate your facial expressions to identify the best injection points.

Next, the skin in the treatment area is gently cleansed, and your doctor may mark specific injection points. A topical anesthetic can be applied for increased comfort if you prefer. Using a very fine needle, your doctor will then place small amounts of BOTOX into the targeted muscles. Each injection feels like a quick pinch, and the entire injection process typically takes just a few minutes.

Once the injections are complete, any temporary markings are removed, and we will review simple aftercare instructions with you. Since there is no downtime after BOTOX, you can resume your normal routine directly after your appointment.

After your BOTOX treatment, you can return to most normal activities right away, but there are a few simple guidelines to help ensure the best results. We will provide you with clear aftercare instructions, including gentle facial exercises that may help the product settle into the targeted muscles. It’s important to avoid rubbing, massaging or applying pressure to the treated areas for the first 48 hours, as this can cause the medication to spread to unintended muscles.

You’ll also be advised to skip alcoholic drinks for a short period, as alcohol may increase the risk of bruising. If mild swelling or bruising occurs, it typically resolves quickly over the next few days. Most people begin noticing improvements within a few days, with full results developing in about two weeks.

BOTOX results develop gradually, giving you a smoother, more refreshed appearance without looking overdone. Most people begin to notice subtle softening of fine lines within 3 to 5 days, with full results developing by 10 to 14 days.

Your results can last for 3 to 4 months, although this can vary from person to person. With regular treatments, many people find that lines and wrinkles continue to look softer over time, even as the product wears off.

To maintain your outcome, we generally recommend scheduling follow-up treatments every 3 to 4 months, depending on your goals and how your muscles respond.